WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has insisted that ongoing peace efforts involving Israel and Iran will continue despite the latest exchange of military strikes between the two regional rivals.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said recent hostilities would not derail diplomatic negotiations, expressing confidence that an agreement remains possible.
“The talks are still moving forward,” Trump said, adding that US foreign policy decisions are ultimately made by Washington. “I call the shots. He doesn’t call the shots,” he remarked in reference to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
His comments came after Israel launched strikes near Beirut, prompting Iran to respond with missile attacks targeting Israeli positions. The renewed violence has heightened concerns over a broader regional conflict.
Iran said its missiles were aimed at an Israeli military facility, while Israeli authorities stated that their air defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles.
At the same time, tensions in Lebanon continued to rise as Israeli forces carried out operations against targets linked to Hezbollah, further complicating efforts to maintain stability in the region.
The latest escalation also impacted global markets, with oil prices climbing more than two percent amid fears that continued fighting could disrupt energy supplies. Brent crude prices moved above $95 per barrel during trading.
Trump also confirmed that he held a brief phone conversation with Netanyahu, during which he urged caution and advised against further escalation while negotiations remain underway. However, no details of the discussion were officially disclosed.
Despite the ongoing conflict on multiple fronts, the US president maintained that diplomatic channels remain open and that prospects for a broader agreement have not faded.
“The possibility of a deal is still there,” Trump said, signalling that Washington remains committed to pursuing a negotiated outcome.
